MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF POLYMER
SOLAR CELLS
G.U. Panapitiya
*
and K.A.I.L.Wijewardena Gamalath**
Department of Physics, University of Colombo, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.
* Gihan Panapitiya: gihanuthpala@gmail.com
**Communicating Author: imalie.gamalth@sci.cmb.ac.lk,
Tel. and Fax: 94 (0) 11 2584777
ABSTRACT
Monte Carlo method was successfully employed to study the mechanism
inside a three dimensional bulk hetero-junction polymer solar cell using a model
based on a novel architecture of adjustable structural parameters. The amorphous
properties of the conjugated polymers were modelled to determine the operating
conditions and structural properties and dimensions that maximize current
generation efficiency. The dimensions of the best morphology of a polymer solar
cell in terms of the charge carrier collection efficiency by the electrodes were
found. The effect of applied external voltage, internal structural design and the
simulated performance of polymer solar cell fabrication materials, MDMO-
PPV:PCBM, M3EH-PPV:PCBM and P3HT:PCBM on efficiency were obtained.
For polymer solar cells with practical dimensions, the charge carrier collection
efficiency was almost governed by the strength of the applied electric field. For
strong electric field, charge carrier efficiency in the range of 10%-20% was
achieved. Reduction of the interfacial height from 30nm to 10nm resulted in a
drop of almost 13% in the charge carrier generation efficiencies. The impact of
the valance and conduction band energies of the three hole transporting materials
on the charge carrier collection efficiencies was significant.
International Journal of
Physics and Research
Vol.1, Issue 1 (2011) 1-29
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